When you need that niche MM romance that you can't find anywhere else, this is the place. The selections of queer fiction and quirky finds is my favorite. And when you need those quick hits of smut and or fantasy, I love what you can find here. It's uniquely SF and so gay, for all the best reasons!!! read more

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A store that MUST BE PROTECTED. It is filled with queer literature of all kinds, for all ages and on all topics. Their curation celebrates the Castro and the LGBTQ community. read more

Great selection of books and such a cute little shop. They have a lot of other gifts, pins, magnets, tote bags, and trinkets as well. They also had a few boxes of vintage unused postcards for $1 per postcard so I was sure to buy a few. Be sure to stop by! read more

Fabulosa Books - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

We love our small indie bookstores, especially ones who prioritize minority voices! We stopped here the other day because a book in the front window grabbed my attention. Kudos to the people who know what to put there to attract random passersby (or maybe it was just my weird interests that made a book on urban legends scream "COME CHECK ME OUT")! We probably would have stopped anyway though (see first line of this review as to why). The inside of the store is bright, clean, pleasant, and relaxing. There's a really good variety, well-labeled and organized and easy to find things. Don't come here expecting to find all the latest best-sellers and new releases, but I did see a nice curated selection of those so if you're the type who wants something newly released in the general market, you can find a few things here, along with other standard authors you can find everywhere. Instead, take a wander and find something different. There's queer and women's voices, black and PoC authors, books from other countries, and others that I didn't get a chance to go through. The people behind the counter dealing with checkout and questions were awesome and friendly. My request for the book in the front window was answered with a smile and "of course!" (I usually expect items in the display to not be for sale, but not here!) I didn't even look at the prices, I was just happy to get two new books and support a small eclectic business! read more

Have been here a few times while visiting and as someone who does not read much, I have walked out of here with purchases both times!there is something here of every genre for everyone so I would definitely encourage you to swing in, support a small business, and find something of interest! Very friendly staff. Prices are also very fair! read more

At a time where bookstores are closing, this bookstore was a sight for sore eyes and a book lovers dream! I appreciate the vast array of untraditional and traditional books at this store. My daughter and I purchased 5 books combined. The customer service was good and it's located on a street filled with unique boutiques. I really enjoyed this bookstore! read more

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Fun little bookstore with an array of books for everyone. I especially like the LBGTQ+ literature and the fact that everyone is welcome. It is a safe space for my sweet non-binary child and their partner. I found books from global and indigenous authors, and did purchase a few, and it's everything a small bookstore should be. Don't forget to go to the back for the little patio to explore the books you chose. It's the cosiest little bookstore and worth the visit when in the Castro neighborhood. Bookstores are my happy place. This is in my top 5 choices. read more

Loved it. Nice selection. Great punk art in the store. It wasn't cramped like so many bookstores are. You could breathe a little. Found some great poetry books. We'll definitely be back. read more

Probably my fav bookstore I've visited in the US!!! The single colour book display on the windows is so nice, and I think it's great at grabbing attention. My favourite part of this bookstore was the small international selections from all over the world. Not many bookstores curate it like this, and I read some of the books in this selection which were very good. I bet many of these books I haven't read from this selection are underrated, so it makes me happy to see them get promoted. read more

Fabulosa Books - outside display - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is the kind of book shop you would hope for in the Castro lots of books relevant to us that live in this neighbourhood but also some really cute gifts. I got a t shirt and a tote bag for a friend I will be visiting in Madrid. Prices on the books are good. I just really like the (no offence) old dudes that work there and the young clerk. They were super helpful and patient. Support your local book store:) read more

A friend and I visited this lively bookstore today and I was absolutely charmed with well selected books and friendly ambiance. What a comfortable atmosphere, and came upon a selection of esoteric postcards for $1!!! Wide selection of book subjects. Checkout was easy, cordial. Well done, folks! I look forward to returning. read more

If I had my own library, I would like it to look like Fabulosa Books. Every time I'm in SF, I pop by here for a visit because it is an extensive queer book collection. As a teacher, I always look for new resources to point my classes towards, to expand our understanding of queer history/cultures and the collection here is inspiring. Their categorization speaks to my Humanities Teacher heart, as there are entire bookshelves of Ethnic Studies readings. Prices are reasonable--some really good books even on sale--and there is always something new. Some stand outs from my recent trip has been illustrated guides to gender/sexuality; queer liberation anthologies; comic books on Indigenous resistance; stories of Indigenous justice in early America; a history of poppers and queer futures; and a book on NY's ballroom community. read more

A treasured part of the queer community! Wonderful selection and a lovely staff. The Castro neighborhood just wouldn't be the same without a queer bookstore at this address. read more

Located right in the heart of the Castro, this welcoming indie bookshop celebrates LGBTQ life while carrying lots of other titles as well. The space is very comfortable and the staff is friendly and helpful. Lots of fun gifts in addition to the books. Support your local book store! read more

What a wonderful bookstore! Despite being packed with people during Pride month, the staff were patient, friendly, and generous (they gave us stickers & bookmarks!). Fabulosa has a !Fabulous! selection of queer fiction & nonfiction. I love that they have shelves sectioned by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, etc...not just all sapphic, all LGBTQ, or other more generic categories that other stores do. I discovered a really exciting lesbian short story collection & lots of fun stickers, while my partner found a self help book they'd be interested in, on sale for a good deal! Can't wait to return and browse for longer :) read more

I love this book store. I have felt welcomed with my questions and inquiries. I have not felt pressured to buy anything or stalked around the store either. One time I ordered a book through the store, and they called to let me know. I missed the call and they left me such a sweet voicemail. I don't know why but it just resonated such sweetness and simplicity and it reminded me of times before the internet and times of when people actually talked to each other and left voicemails. It gave me nostalgia. Anyway, what a great store with sweet employees. Thank you for being here. read more

Not sure when it stopped being Dog-Earred Books, but I don't mind the name change at all. Still the same, fun book store in Castro. Staff is friendly and the store is easy to navigate around. There is a wide variety of books to choose from. I have a whole stack of books at home from this particular bookstore. What makes this particular bookstore stand out is their collection of LGBTQ+ literature. They have LGBTQ+ books in every genre! Definitely nice to have all those options. I always seems to pick something up when I pop in. Will definitely be back to keep my collection growing! Hope this place sticks around forever! read more

Fabulosa Books - All from this book store! - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Wonderful independent bookstore with warm, welcoming vibes. Shopped here with my child who enjoyed reading some of the books in the adorable kids section that offered titles in different languages. The staff person was incredibly kind to our child when we made our purchase. read more

Fabulosa lives up to its name! Such a lovely facet of the neighborhood. Great location too; close to Castro Station, Cliff's, and lots of cafes and eateries. Excellent selection of LGBTQIA+ literature, as well as just books in general. Lots of fun giftables like journals, cards, stickers, etc. Wonderfully decorated, friendly staff. Oh, and they actually buy used books too! Cash or store credit; my favorite bookmark is a Fabulosa Books gift card. :] read more

Great place to get a book. Highly recommended. Stop by. Please visit and support this store read more

Fabulosa Books - Book in Spanish - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Such a great neighborhood bookstore! I always love visiting when I'm walking through the Castro! This store has a massive selection of books and the options are endless! read more

Fabulosa Books - Today's book purchases! - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

An independent, local bookstore right next door to the iconic Cliff's Variety in the Castro. In addition to a respectable selection of titles in many categories, they feature an entire wall of LGBTQ+ books. (It is tempting to say that if they don't have the book, you don't really need to read it. Just kidding, of course.) read more

A wide variety of LGBTQ books. Literally something from every stripe of the rainbow. Also they sell an eclectic selection of postcards. That's one of my favorites. Usually there is a discount cart in front of the store. Sometimes even a FREE box next to that. A friendly store in a safe neighborhood. An urban delight! read more

Fabulosa Books is......well........fabulous I really enjoy shopping here, They carry an extensive selection of books for the gay /LGBTQ community, as well as a selection of mainline books and best sellers. I can often find many hard-to-find and out of print book titles in the store, Fabulosa Books is an important store for San Francisco's Castro neighborhood, I look forward to stopping by often in the future. read more

My favorite bookstore! I love the wide selection of LGBTQ in front of the bookstore. I was able to purchase a signed copy of "A Scatter of Light" by the author Malinda Lo. I also follow their social media and they sometimes have guest author appearances. I have purchased a few books here and the staff have been friendly. read more

Great selection of books of all sorts in an eclectic setting. 10 out of 10 would come back. Support your local bookstores!

Extremely kind and caring staff. Beautiful and quant little shop with a homey feeling. Loved their selection of indigenous authors works and their knowledge of their products. They are included in a bookstore walk map and I'm for sure going to check out the rest. The people working had such a welcoming presence that you could feel their passion for this shop, loved it and will be returning. read more

Yuk. Way way overpriced books. Far more expensive than online. Seems like price gouging. How greedy can you get? Staff is also a bit surly.

I popped by here during Pride and let me just say how impressed I was with the LGBTQ+ science fiction section. I seek out queer protagonists in every bookstore I visit, but often have to play a game of needle in the haystack to find what I'm looking for. I think Powell's in Portland is the only other bookstore I've seen that makes it easy to find books with an LGBTQ+ lead in YA novels, Sci-fi, and general fiction, and Powells is multiple stories tall and the size of a city block. This place does it all in one small location in the Castro! read more

Super fun atmosphere with an interesting design, alongside that their staff were incredible and so fun to interact with. The whole shop had a wonderful selection and it was difficult to not walk out of there with more book than I could reasonable put in a carry on. read more

My favorite bookstore! They have a range of queer theory, gay fiction, queer graphic novels, and also some other stuff that's less queer. Staff are always friendly and helpful in getting what I need. read more

Such an incredible bookstore with remarkable taste in terms of what they buy and recommend .... They have the most welcoming and cool environment, and they even have authors could work in the book store itself! The Castro is so lucky to have this bookstore ... and we are so lucky to be able to go there often. read more

This is the same book store it used to be with same staff, just a name change. Marcus is amazing! He's a staff member and children's book author. I bring my 7yo in occasionally with all her artwork and stories and he dutifully listens and looks. It warms my mama heart. Thank you, Marcus! read more

Excellent bookstore with an exceptional variety for a relatively small space! This store is light and bright, but also feels warm, and has a dedicated children's books section, which is nice. The space is 100% WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE, and the employees are happy to help wheelchair users with retrieving books from upper shelves. Fabulosa is probably best known for having an extensive LGBTQIA+ book selection, since it IS in the heart of the Castro, but it also has lots of non-mainstream zines, greeting cards/postcards, books by local authors, and much more. This is also a bookstore that hosts author nights with live readings and signings, which is a nice way to engage the community and a great way to be social outside of a bar in this otherwise alcohol-drenched neighborhood. Overall, it is everything you want your local neighborhood bookstore to be: Of and for the community in which it exists! read more

I love this bookstore with my whole being. I'm from LA, so I've only been once when I was visiting San Francisco with friends, but my trip to Fabulosa was nothing short of magical. I genuinely feel like I had a spiritual awakening. I headed straight for the self-help section, obviously, and I started reading some of the first pages of different books. Fifteen minutes in, I started BAWLING MY EYES OUT. Every single thing I read would start the waterworks. I sat down in the corner and let the tears flow. It felt so relieving, genuinely. I felt so comfortable to cry there and let my pent up emotions out, and I think that says a lot about the place. Nobody judged me for it. They just let me emote. Fabulosa is not really like a store -- it's like a home where thousands of books live. By the end, I actually bought one of the books. And I've never bought a book in my entire life. I'm on page 100 now! Crazy for me, especially since I have ADHD. read more

I went in here in search of a queer atmosphere that suited me and I loved it! The staff was so nice and I got many goodies. I highly recommend checking it out. read more